A randomized, placebo-controlled study found that creatine supplementation had negligible effects on exercise function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Despite increased muscle creatine levels, the study's results suggest that physical training alone remains essential for improving outcomes.
Aeroecology is an emerging field exploring how airborne organisms depend on the lower atmosphere closest to the Earth's surface. This research has significant implications for understanding behavioral, ecological, and evolutionary responses of organisms in complex meteorological conditions.
Researchers have discovered unique structures of uncharged gold nano particles, which could lead to breakthroughs in catalysts for chemical reactions. The structures, formed by arranging seven gold atoms in a triangle with an additional vertex, were revealed through innovative combination of infrared spectrometry and mass spectrometry.
A new study suggests that up to three-quarters of US schools labeled as 'failing' due to low test scores would pass using a measure of student learning impact. This approach considers students' learning rates during and outside the school year, providing a more accurate picture of school effectiveness.
A study published in Cancer Research found that the CB1 receptor plays a tumor-suppressing role in human colorectal cancer. Researchers discovered that CB1 expression is lost in most colorectal cancers, leading to increased tumor growth. Restoring CB1 expression with an existing drug showed promise in reducing tumors.
A newly discovered gene variant in TNFAIP3 may cause the immune system to continue attacking healthy tissues and organs, leading to damage. This discovery adds to a growing list of genes associated with lupus and holds promise for diagnosis and treatment.
A new study found that sleep-disordered breathing is associated with a two- to three-fold increase in the risk of death among adults aged 30 to 60. The severity of breathing issues was linked to an increased risk, with severe cases doubling mortality risk.
Research finds women whose husbands work long hours are more likely to quit their jobs, exacerbating gender inequality. Professional women with children are disproportionately affected, highlighting a potential return to the 'separate spheres' arrangement.
A genetic mutation in the filaggrin gene increases the risk of developing atopic dermatitis by threefold, while also predisposing individuals to hay fever and asthma. The study found that nearly 8% of German school children carry this genetic variation.
Scientists have found that certain nanostructures are more susceptible to failure by fracture at specific sizes. This is due to phonon confinement, which affects thermal transport and electronic processes. The study provides valuable information for designing stable nanostructures with reduced fracture energy.
The JDRF Scholar Award is granted to individual scientists who exhibit a unique creative vision and approach to research. Dr. Jeffrey Bluestone and Dr. Mark Cooper are the recipients of this prestigious award, which provides them with $250,000 annually for up to five years to conduct specialized research.
An international team produced two of the brightest, sharpest x-ray holograms of microscopic objects ever made, with resolutions of up to 50 nanometers. The technique used is called massively parallel x-ray Fourier-transform holography with 'coded apertures', inspired by the pinhole camera.
A study found that people with severe sleep apnea have a much higher mortality risk than those without, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 3.2. Regular CPAP use may protect against cardiovascular death, but the mechanisms are unclear.
A recent study found that convenience to home or work is a major reason patients switch mammography providers, with 37% citing this as the primary factor. The study also revealed that patients value factors such as doctor referral and quality of care when choosing a mammography provider.
Researchers found that fruit flies with a normal sense of smell had a survival advantage over odor-blind ones in experiments. In tests where food was scarce, the sense of smell proved crucial for finding food, leading to massive competition disadvantage for odor-blind flies.
Scientists identify a gene mutation in SLC17A8 that causes a previously unknown form of hereditary hearing loss, diminishing ability to hear high-frequency sounds. The mutation affects varying severity and onset age among individuals, highlighting the need for families and doctors to be alert for inherited hearing problems.
Two drugs, GW1516 and AICAR, have been identified by researchers to enhance exercise endurance by increasing fat burning in muscle fibers. In laboratory experiments, mice treated with the drugs ran longer distances on treadmill tests than untreated animals, with one compound increasing endurance by 44 percent.
Researchers found that certain bacteria can harness iron from the environment or human host using a unique gene. This discovery could lead to new ways to target diseases like tuberculosis by limiting access to essential iron sources.
A randomized controlled trial found that removing H. pylori bacteria from stomachs of post-operative stomach cancer patients can significantly reduce the risk of stomach cancer redeveloping. The study showed a two-thirds reduction in metachronous gastric cancer development between eradication and control groups.
Researchers found that genetically tweaking a part of the brain involved in learning and memory in fruit flies allowed them to stay sharp even after being deprived of sleep. This discovery may lead to new treatments for mental acuity, particularly for people who need to stay awake for extended periods.
Researchers have successfully treated congenital hyperinsulinism, a rare genetic disease causing insulin imbalance, using a peptide called exendin-(9-39) that blocks hormone receptor action. This could lead to an innovative medicine for children with this condition.
Researchers found that phytoestrogens from soy can cause irreversible changes in the brain's reproductive development, leading to early-onset puberty and symptoms of advanced menopause. The study also shows that these compounds can alter the sex-specific organization of the hypothalamus, a critical region for female reproduction.
The DOE and USDA have awarded $10 million in grants to accelerate fundamental research on cellulosic biofuels, aiming to reduce dependence on imported oil and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The grants will support the development of cost-effective means of producing cellulosic biofuels from various plant materials.
Researchers have discovered a new immune disease that affects the innate immune system of children with a deficiency in the MyD88 gene. The study found that these children can see off other infections but still die from widespread infection by common bacteria like pneumococci and staphylococci.
A study by Indiana University researchers reveals a significant communication gap between older adults and their surgeons, with only half of concerns discussed during consultations. This mismatch can lead to poorly tailored treatment recommendations, emphasizing the need for effective communication.
A recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal AIDS found a significant association between bacterial vaginosis and an increased risk of HIV infection. The analysis of over 30,700 women from around the world showed that women with BV were more likely to acquire HIV than those without it.
A computer simulation reveals the formation of the first stars in the universe, showing how dark matter and gas interacted to create these ancient celestial bodies. The study provides insight into the origins of life and planets, highlighting the importance of stellar elements in our bodies.
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered that mature fruit-fly cells can regress and serve as a type of de facto stem cell during the fly's life cycle. This finding counters previous assumptions about cell specialization and differentiation, suggesting the possibility of multiple types of adult stem cells in mammalian tissue.
Duke University scientists found that microbes' nutrient balance affects carbon dioxide release into the atmosphere. A universal mathematical formula can predict decomposition patterns globally.
A study in Economic Inquiry found that gas stations adjust their prices to match a few select peers, rather than all stations. However, price movements within the same chain are often highly correlated, suggesting indirect dependence on rival stations' prices.
A Swedish study found that living with a spouse or partner in midlife reduces the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. The study showed that people living alone ran twice the risk and widows/widowers faced the greatest risk of developing dementia.
A study has found that several people in South and Southeast Asian countries have been infected with simian foamy virus, a primate virus that has not been shown to cause human disease. Researchers tested about 300 people who live or work closely with monkeys and found eight participants positive for the virus.
Researchers analyzed 1173 cases of community-acquired pneumonia and found that flu vaccination was not associated with a reduced risk. The study suggests that the vaccine may not be effective in reducing influenza infection in elderly individuals at risk of pneumonia.
A new study predicts that acidic ocean conditions could significantly harm the earliest stages of marine life, including a 25% decline in sea urchin fertilization success by 2100. The researchers warn that this could have far-reaching consequences for ecosystem viability and key species like lobsters and corals.
A commonly used diabetes monitoring test could be repurposed to screen for and diagnose diabetes, identifying millions of people with undiagnosed disease. The hemoglobin A1c test measures long-term glucose control, offering advantages over current testing methods that require fasting or are affected by recent meals and diet.
Researchers have found that warfarin reduces scarring on the liver caused by Hepatitis C, which can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. The study is now embarking on a clinical trial to test warfarin as a treatment for people with Hepatitis C.
Researchers have successfully differentiated pluripotent stem cells from a patient with ALS into motor neurons and glia featuring an ALS genotype, offering new avenues for drug discovery and understanding the disease process.
The Kenneth B. Schwartz Center and ASTRO are partnering to raise awareness of cancer survivorship through the Survivor Circle exhibit at ASTRO's Annual Meeting. The center supports compassionate healthcare and education, and will participate in the exhibit to promote its mission.
Researchers at USC successfully apply Viterbi algorithm to decode entangled photons in quantum communication. This enables reliable error-free message transmission in noisy quantum channels.
Dr. Kevin Eggan's breakthrough discovery marks the first time scientists have replicated specific human cells affected by ALS in a laboratory setting. The New York Stem Cell Foundation funded his work and will continue to support him.
The elephant death rate from poaching in Africa has increased to 8% a year, with most recent studies indicating that hunters are targeting specific herds. The situation is worse than ever before, and the public is unaware of the giant mammals' plight.
A Group Health study found that flu vaccination had no protective effect against pneumonia in elderly patients. The largest case-control study of flu vaccine use in the elderly revealed a lack of correlation between vaccination and reduced risk of pneumonia.
MIT scientists have overcome a major barrier to large-scale solar power by developing an inexpensive and highly efficient process for storing solar energy. Inspired by plant photosynthesis, they've created a system that can split water into hydrogen and oxygen gases, producing carbon-free electricity.
A new study found that married social fathers exhibit equivalent or higher quality parenting behaviors than married and cohabiting biological fathers. Married social fathers are more engaged with children, share responsibilities, and are trusted by mothers to care for kids.
Researchers found that calmodulin uses two lobes to sense local and global calcium levels, allowing it to detect fluctuations within cells. This discovery sheds light on the universal means of communication in cells and has implications for understanding neural diseases.
A recent study by Cornell University found that open-access articles receive more downloads than subscription-based articles, but do not receive more citations. Higher quality articles are simply made freely available, reversing the cause-and-effect relationship previously assumed.
Research at Karolinska Institutet found that people with schizophrenia have an increased number of unusual chromosomal changes, particularly structural changes that can alter gene function. These changes, known as copy number variants, may contribute to the development of the disorder.
Researchers have used X-ray diffraction to create the first 3-D images of aerogel structures at nanometer-scale resolution. The study reveals a complex 'blob-and-beam' structure that explains the material's surprising strength and suggests ways to improve its properties.
Researchers found that university students who watched over four hours of TV per day snacked more frequently while watching TV and recognized more advertising than low TV viewers. This study links TV viewing to increased snack consumption and body weight status among young adults.
The team's breakthrough design features a Goretex-coated air-electrode that is more economical, easily sourced, and outlasts traditional platinum cells. Testing has shown no degradation or performance loss over 1500 hours of continuous use.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology has published a special issue focusing on AIDS and HIV research, featuring reviews on vaccine development, B-cell abnormalities, and viral reservoirs. Key findings also include an increased rate of asthma in HIV-infected children treated with HAART.
A new study found that pregnant women who binge drink early in pregnancy are more likely to have infants born with oral clefts. The researchers also found that the frequency and total amount of alcohol consumed during pregnancy matters most, not just the frequency or duration of drinking.
A new study found that how people define sexual harassment is directly related to their views on ambiguous and threatening rules, with women resisting labeling uninvited jokes as harassment due to negative perception effects. Men with higher education were less likely to define such remarks as harassment.
A McGill University study reveals that previously ignored parts of the HIV genome play a key role in developing drug resistance. The research explains how these hidden mutations affect the virus, providing new insights into HIV treatment.
Researchers have tagged one male and two female leatherback turtles off Cape Cod, the first time these elusive giants have been tracked in New England. The satellites will provide real-time tracking data to better understand their behavior and habitat.
A special supplement in the AIDS journal offers concrete recommendations for addressing social and economic issues fueling HIV, including building a diverse group of leaders and integrating treatment programs. The edition outlines actionable goals and calls for accountability to combat the epidemic more efficiently.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified two signaling pathways activated in response to exercise that converge to increase endurance. They discovered a drug, GW1516, that simultaneously triggers both pathways, turning laboratory mice into long-distance runners and conferring many exercise benefits.
A multicenter U.S. registry study found that endoscopic circumferential ablation effectively cleared high-grade dysplasia in 90.2% of patients with Barrett's esophagus, offering a promising alternative to surgery and other therapies. The procedure also showed good safety profiles and comparable outcomes to PDT, EMR, and esophagectomy.
Researchers discover two compounds that enhance exercise endurance in mice, offering potential therapeutic benefits for certain muscle diseases. The drugs, PPARd and AICAR, work by reprogramming muscle gene activity, increasing running distance and time by up to 70%.
The OneGeology project has successfully created the world's first digital geological map, providing a global overview of the planet's rocks. This achievement enables nations to share data, access maps, and gain insights into natural resources and geohazards.